Learning English as a second language can be a fun and rewarding journey.
With so many apps available, it can be tough to know which ones are worth your time and money. This article will highlight five premium ESL learning apps that can help you improve your skills in 2025.
These apps offer unique features that cater to different learning styles, making it easier for you to find the right fit.
Whether you want to practice speaking, improve your reading, or connect with native speakers, there’s something here for everyone.
Get ready to explore some of the best options out there!
1) Duolingo
Duolingo is a popular app that makes learning a new language pretty fun.
You can practice different skills through games and exercises that keep you engaged.
Each session feels like a game, so it doesn’t feel like studying.
The app is super beginner-friendly.
It lets you learn at your own pace, which is helpful if you’re just starting out.
Plus, it offers a wide variety of languages to choose from, making it easy to find one that interests you.
One cool feature is the daily reminders that help you stay on track.
You can earn points and even compete with friends, adding a social aspect to your learning.
While Duolingo is great for building basic skills, remember it might not cover everything.
For deeper grammar or pronunciation tips, consider pairing it with other resources.
You can read more about what makes Duolingo unique in this review.
Overall, Duolingo is a solid choice for anyone looking to start learning a new language without feeling overwhelmed.
2) Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone is a trusted name in language learning.
It’s known for helping beginners pick up a new language easily.
The app uses a unique immersion method.
This means you learn by focusing on images and audio without relying on translations.
With Rosetta Stone, you can choose from a wide range of languages.
You get to practice speaking with voice recognition technology.
This helps improve your pronunciation as you go along.
Subscriptions are flexible.
You can go for a three-month plan or an annual one.
If you’re really committed, there’s an option for lifetime access to all languages.
The app is great for self-paced learning.
It allows you to study whenever and wherever you want.
You’ll also find engaging lessons aimed at real-life situations.
If you’re serious about learning a new language, Rosetta Stone is a solid choice.
It makes the process fun and interactive, so you’re never bored.
You can check out more about it here.
3) Babbel
Babbel is a popular choice for learning English and other languages.
It offers a tailored approach, which means the app focuses on your native language.
This helps you see similarities and differences that make learning easier.
With Babbel, you get a mix of self-paced lessons and interactive tools.
You can practice speaking with speech recognition and engage in real-life dialogues.
This feature keeps lessons relevant and fun.
The app has flexible subscription options.
A monthly plan costs around $13.95 to $17.99, but it’s cheaper if you commit for a longer period.
This way, you can choose what fits your budget.
Babbel’s lessons cover various topics, from daily conversations to travel phrases.
This makes it easy to learn what you need for real-life situations.
Plus, the interface is user-friendly, keeping you motivated to continue learning.
If you’re serious about improving your English skills, Babbel is definitely worth a try.
4) Mondly
Mondly is a popular language-learning app that can help you pick up English and other languages quickly.
It’s designed to be fun, using games and challenges to keep you engaged.
You’ll find features like vocabulary lessons and real-life phrases that are helpful in everyday conversations.
The app also includes speech recognition technology, so you can practice your pronunciation and get instant feedback.
One cool thing about Mondly is that it adapts to your learning level.
Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, it adjusts the lessons to fit your needs.
You can choose a premium plan for around $10 a month, or you can save money by going for the yearly option at about $48.
Sometimes, they even offer a lifetime access deal for around $90.
If you’re looking for a user-friendly app to boost your English skills, Mondly is definitely worth checking out.
5) Busuu
Busuu is a solid choice if you want to learn a new language with a community touch.
This app has a strong focus on social learning, allowing you to interact with native speakers from all over the world.
You can practice writing and speaking with feedback from real people.
This feature helps you improve your language skills by getting tips directly from users who know the language best.
With a variety of languages available, including English, Spanish, French, and many more, there’s likely something for everyone.
The app offers courses that range from beginner to advanced levels.
Busuu also has an option for personalized study reminders.
You can choose when you want to practice and set reminders to help you stay on track.
The membership plan is affordable, costing about $50 for a year.
With a vast community of around 120 million users, you’ll have plenty of chances to connect and practice.
Benefits of Premium ESL Apps
Premium ESL apps offer a lot of valuable features that can really enhance your learning experience.
You’ll find tailored lessons, advanced exercises, and access to skilled instructors that free apps often lack.
Plus, they usually include benefits like interaction with native speakers, which can greatly improve your language skills.
Enhanced Learning Experience
With premium ESL apps, your learning experience is taken to the next level.
These apps provide personalized study plans based on your skills and goals.
You can expect features such as:
- Interactive Lessons: Engage with content that keeps you interested.
- Progress Tracking: See how much you’ve improved over time.
- Tailored Feedback: Get specific tips to help you grow.
The structured approach helps you build a solid foundation.
You’ll also encounter a variety of practice exercises, quizzes, and multimedia resources that make learning more enjoyable and effective.
Access to Native Speakers
One major perk of premium ESL apps is the chance to interact with native speakers.
This exposure is crucial for developing your speaking and listening skills.
You might find features like:
- Live Tutoring Sessions: Speak directly with experts who can help refine your language use.
- Language Exchange Opportunities: Connect with native speakers who want to learn your language.
This kind of interaction helps you learn colloquial expressions and cultural nuances.
Plus, it builds your confidence in using English in real-life situations.
With native speakers, you can practice pronunciation and get real-time feedback, which is invaluable for mastering any language.
How to Choose the Right ESL App
Picking the right ESL app can make a big difference in your learning journey.
It’s important to think about your specific goals and what features you need.
This way, you can find an app that suits you best.
Consider Your Learning Goals
Start by identifying what you want to achieve.
Are you looking to improve your speaking skills, build vocabulary, or prepare for a test?
Make a list of your main goals.
For example:
- Improve speaking: Look for apps with conversation practice and speech recognition.
- Expand vocabulary: Choose apps that provide context and usage examples.
- Test preparation: Find platforms with practice tests and study resources.
Your goals will guide you to the app that fits your needs.
If you’re a beginner, you might prefer user-friendly apps like Duolingo.
In contrast, if you’re more advanced, options like Preply may offer tailored lessons with native speakers.
Evaluate App Features
Not all apps are created equal.
Take a closer look at the features each app offers.
Some popular ones include:
- Interactive lessons: These keep you engaged and help with retention.
- Progress tracking: Look for apps that let you monitor your progress over time.
- Speaking practice: Features like voice recognition can help with pronunciation.
Check if the app has community features, like forums or chat groups.
This can enhance learning through peer interaction.
Also, consider if the app is available on multiple devices.
Ensure that you can practice anytime, anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
You might have some questions about the best ESL learning apps to try this year.
Here are answers to common queries that can help you find the right app for your language journey.
What are the top-rated language learning apps to check out in 2025?
In 2025, some of the top-rated language learning apps include Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, Babbel, Mondly, and Busuu.
Each app has its own strengths, so checking them out can help you decide which one fits your style.
Which ESL apps are regarded as most effective for building fluency?
Apps like Rosetta Stone and Babbel are known for their structured lessons that help build fluency effectively.
They focus on real-life conversations and practice, making it easier for you to speak confidently.
Are there any new, innovative language learning platforms that were introduced in 2025?
This year, a few new platforms have popped up, focusing on interactive learning and live tutoring.
Keep an eye on recent developments as more apps enter the market with fresh features.
What do users say about the most popular ESL apps on iOS this year?
Users generally praise apps like Duolingo and Busuu on iOS for their user-friendly design and engaging content.
Feedback highlights ease of use and effective learning techniques that keep you motivated.
Can I find any premium language learning apps that offer a free trial in 2025?
Yes, several premium apps, including Babbel and Mondly, offer free trials.
This lets you explore their features before committing, which is a great way to see if the app meets your needs.
Which language app has been rated highest for improving speaking skills?
Rosetta Stone is often rated highly for improving speaking skills.
Its focus on voice recognition technology helps you practice pronunciation and receive instant feedback on your speaking abilities.